Clark considering presidential bid
Arkansas Times Staff
Updated: 11/9/2006



Now that the 2006 elections are over, Gen. Wesley Clark is turning his attention toward deciding to run for president. Sources tell the Arkansas Times that Clark has said he will make his decision within the next two months.

Clark’s spokesman, Erick Mullen, said, “That’s true, but we don’t have a timeline for when a decision will be made just yet.”

Mullen added, “All options are on the table. Gen. Clark was the number-one requested surrogate, especially in red states and swing

states during this cycle. As we travel around, in places that other Democrats don’t go, there is a clamor and enthusiasm to see Gen. Clark serve in public again. Obviously, with the war and national security at the top of the agenda, Clark is well-suited to lead the country in a better direction than it’s going now.”
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http://www.arktimes.com/Articles/ArticleViewer.aspx?ArticleID=6112230d-32a5-4169-9fd8-004c3b4a70dc
WOOHOO!

*

Wes for the U Wes A

and this has been a really, really good day!

It's Clark or Gore for me -- how about both? POTUS and VPOTUS. I think they could work together well.

Just do it !:yourock:

Wes needs money, so PLEASE donate lots and often.
Wes needs endorsements from congress people and other elected folks.
Wes needs strong coalitions from all communities.

WE need to make his name more known to the dozing public. The traditional and old media certainly won't help!

Love Wes:loveya::patriot:

Arkansas! So, he's got some help if he wants it...no Doubt! :thumbsup:

:woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo:

:bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce:

:beer: :beer: :beer: :beer: :beer: :beer: :beer: :beer: :beer: :beer: :beer: :beer: :beer: :beer: :beer: :beer: :beer: :beer: :beer: :beer: :beer: :beer: :beer: :beer: :beer::puke:

That was the biggest mistake he made in '04.

Clark is one of the wisest Dems out there. It'd be a great benefit just having him the White House.

painted him as some kind of rightwing nut case

He's a fast learner and was in the thick of it for the last couple years, he's more than ready.

U WES A!
U WES A!
U WES A!
U WES A!
U WES A!
U WES A!
U WES A!
U WES A!
U WES A!

he won't get any serious pledges for financial support and won't run. I know there are folks who don't want him to run, fortunately the decision is not up to them.

He's been on FAUX News as a commentator up against the likes of O'Reilly...He'll have no such problems with the media this time! If he can go up against O'Reilly, and destroy him one-on-one in a debate on O'Reilly's show, then no one can stop him AFAIC.


"We need a general to clean up the mess in Iraq!" Sounds like a winning meme to me

This would be as big of a dream come true as this week has been!!

Run Wes Run, America needs you!!!

Here's one Clarkie ready to fall in and fight for you!

with those folks was an excellent move! Especially now that they can see that he was right on the mark regarding Iraq. They'd have confidence in him! Me too! I'm jump off a cliff to follow him!

"Gen. Clark was the number-one requested surrogate, especially in red states and swing
states during this cycle."

I would follow Wes to the gates of Hell and back and know in my heart every step of the way we would kick ass, take names, and rock out loud once we got there.

I was totally shocked when I heard them talking about him.

This time around it will be interesting to see if there will be a "chosen" one or will the people get to elect the nominee. The primaries need to be held at many different places and within a month or two. Something like that. Course that would mess up the campaigning schedule. But for the first 2 primaries and caucus to be the deciding factor is ridiculous.

Wesley Clark: A New President in 2008

A lot of people are still saying that the Democrats need a General to run against a Republican. This time, it will really, really defuse the whole perceived "national security weakness" of the Democrats -- namely, that we think before we go to war. Which really worked with Kerry. But hey, maybe it will work this time.

One thing Wesley Clark certainly does have going for him is a highly-energized, dedicated band of supporters. If you count yourself among them, go ahead and make a public show of your support with one of our bumper stickers, campaign buttons, magnets, or Made-in-the-USA shirts. We offer these pro-Clark campaign buttons, bumper stickers, shirts and more in a spirit of democracy more than anything else. Keep in mind that because of our dedication to liberal politics, we spend 20 percent of our profits on furthering progressive political causes. This helps you send a message in two ways at once: Through the mail and with your wallet.

http://irregulartimes.com/2008clark.html

They even have thongs!

I am for Clark in '08 !

... I hope he immediately calls for impeachment proceedings against * and Darth Cheney.

Whichever candidate does that first will have the most credibility to sit in the oval office. We can't expect the American people to believe that we can defend them from terrorists unless we can first show them that we can protect the Constitution and our system of government from Republicans.

Hope the General agrees!

:patriot:

-Laelth

Here's an email from him today.




Yesterday, we Americans took a stand against the politics of personal destruction -- rebuffing the onslaught of negative advertising and dirty tricks. Voters let themselves be heard and ordered a change in government, giving Democrats the opportunity to serve the nation and to provide the leadership that's been missing these past six years in Washington. With this opportunity comes great responsibility, and we must take the challenges ahead seriously, soberly and with clarity of purpose -- on issues like health care, the economy, education, and most of all, Iraq and national security.

It is a mistake for Democrats to celebrate rather than understand the meaning of yesterday's election. America is looking for leadership right away, and Democrats should push forward a 3-point plan to address the crisis in Iraq and refocus our national security efforts:

Change the course in Iraq. Democrats must pressure George W. Bush to listen to the generals on the ground and the whole range of experts -- not just the GOP -- on how to change the course in Iraq. We must work with regional powers, promote gradual transformation and stability, and regain the 'strategic consent' for the long-term U.S. influence in the region. We must use the situation in Iraq to propel us toward this larger goal, and in doing so, we will also find the right way to wind down our deployment there.


Rebuilding alliances to address the real national security threats. We must bring our allies into the reconstruction of Iraq to ensure shared responsibility for the ongoing stability of Iraq itself and the region as a whole. We must provide real oversight on government contracts in Iraq; we cannot continue to allow no-bid contracts to Halliburton. And by bringing our allies together, we can finish the job in Afghanistan, and more effectively hunt down Osama Bin Laden and contain Iran and North Korea.


Address energy independence and global warming as national security issues. We must put a policy in place to lead us to energy independence and away from the volatile and conflict-ridden regions where, today, the "geostrategic risk premium" is adding billions of dollars to the costs imposed on the American people. Our reliance on oil also impacts global climate change. As I have stated before, global warming has serious national security risks: stretching our military resources to deal with catastrophes (like Katrina) and increasing the potential for conflicts due to the displacement of people, competition for scarce resources, and adverse effects on agriculture.
Thanks to your help, we have a real opportunity to change the course in Iraq and fix our national security policy. And it's only possible because Democrats now have the power in Congress to stand up to President Bush and make change happen. You helped us make history last night, and I can't thank you enough for what you've done.

In this election cycle, WesPAC helped 42 candidates win their races across America, including 25 candidates who flipped their seats from Republican to Democratic seats. Our Clark community raised over $1 million for candidates, not to mention the millions of hours of volunteer time members of the Clark community provided to campaigns in every corner of our nation. And I am most proud of the fact that at least 6 veterans were newly elected to the House and Senate yesterday. What a tremendous victory for America -- and it wouldn't have been possible without the hard work that you and I and hundreds of thousands of Democrats put in over these last 24 months.

Last night the American people spoke, loud and clear. Now we have our marching orders. It's time to change course. It's time to lead.

Sincerely,



Wes Clark

I don't really disagree with anything he has to say. His tone is not conciliatory; that's for sure.

You seem to know him better, Auntie Bush. What's your take?

:shrug:

-Laelth

get on with finishing the mess we're in rather than getting into political fights. However, Jim or Frienchie could tell you accurately.
You sound like you'd keep an open mind regarding his position. I hope you can as we/he needs all the support he can get for his election.

I have an open mind about many things, but not so much on this issue. I am an attorney, and I took an oath to defend the Constitution of the United States of America. I can not sit idly by and watch it be shredded, nor will I support a politician who will idly sit by and not attempt to bring justice to those who would shred it. I am curious to know where the General stands. That's all.

:patriot:

-Laelth

("would-be Caesars"), I've been very impressed by him. The above by him impresses me even more so.

pnorman

Something I notice about the messages put out by public figures is how many times they use the pronoun "I". Wes Clark, even when blogging, rarely uses that pronoun. In this note he uses it once (hoping I counted correctly) and consistently talks about "we". This is not a trick. When asked by a reporter why he was attending the Yearly Kos, his answer was telling: "because these are my friends." We, especially those involved in the orginal draft, have taken this four star on a weird trip.

As he stumped around the country his message included some sound advice, that it was fine for people like him to give speeches, but it was up to us, the troops, to bring home the win. Thus, this new message is right in line with his thoughts over the past year, we the people must lead if we are to create a better America.

Whatever Wes and Gert Clark decide to do, now would be a great time to thank them. Money to WesPAC is fine, but a simple note of thanks to this great American duo is due. He has both an e-addy and a diary at his site. Veterans' Day might be a perfect day.

Thank you.

nomination wrapped up by the time Ohio voted so I voted for Kerry. Please Wes run again!!

I want to feel that hope again! And this time he will win! I'm sure of it! Obama as his VP?

450+ comments at Kos on this news!
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2006/11/9/144341/594?detail=f

also this
http://stanforddemocrats.blogspot.com/2006/11/2008-prediction.html


Oh...and loved this part in that article, Jim!

Gen. Clark was the number-one requested surrogate, especially in red states and swing states during this cycle. As we travel around, in places that other Democrats don’t go, there is a clamor and enthusiasm to see Gen. Clark serve in public again. Obviously, with the war and national security at the top of the agenda, Clark is well-suited to lead the country in a better direction than it’s going now.” :patriot:

Another warning....you don't want to be the early frontrunner in the 2008 race...believe me, you don't.

Wes should run when he feels like it.

Or I won't be supporting him. Obama better be on that ticket. No Feingold, no Gore...Obama!

Look, I like Obama, but Tennessee should be an example of what I've been saying about running a minority on any ticket: sadly, American won't vote for it.

While I honestly believe, as a Tennessean, that race didn't play THE major factor in Ford's loss (I think it was the media and the fact that we simply haven't changed the mind of those who always vote Republican no-matter-what), it was still enough to help swing it against him.

I think America is ready for a minority president, it's just it won't vote for one.

:(

We HAVE to flip a red state - we HAVE to. Not only to win, but to unite the country.

...should be all the difference.

:kick:

He would make a great VP, Sec. of State, Def. Sec. I don't want him to get tarnished in a run that I think would be hard to win.

he cannot be Def. Sec. Law requires that the Def. Sec. be out of military service for AT LEAST 10 years - in 2008, Clark will only have been out of service for eight years.

President or Sec. State are the only two options.

However, we have so many good Democrats in this country. I could be happy with any of them. I just happen to think that Wes is the best.:patriot:

We need a grownup in the White House, and this one knows the world.:bounce:

:patriot: :yourock: :loveyou: :bounce:

I feel lukewarm about the others, even Gore who I really like. But if Wes ran, it would be electrifying! He is so inspiring. Working for his campaign in '03 was a privilege.

I would vote for Gen Clark in a minute.

:bounce:

Southerners stick together.

Please say it is so! :wow: You don't even have to give me a link.

By the way, Dean outdid himself on the role he played in the election strategy. I saw him on C-Span, and he was very gracious to Clinton....gave him a great big thanks. He Didn't mention Clark though...but I guess, that's the breaks. :shrug:

I also read your thread where you discussed Hillary dissing Dean on the Teevee and giving all the credit to Rahm. Sounded terrible! Did she mention Wes Clark, since he is such a friend too? I mean, did she have the presence of mind to thank someone that doesn't even hold a fucking office and yet still traveled all over the nation, including the RED States to satisfy the 50 state strategy by beefing up the security gravitas of those who were running and in turn making all of us look the better for it?

:crazy:

Glad to see you back.

:)

Run Wes Run!!!

Good to be back.

If Wes decides to run, count me in!

:patriot:

:hi:

Good to see you too!

:hi:

I've missed the old gang!

Why in the fuck would the Clintons want to help a competitor for the nomination?

Clark IS a southerner, Hillary is the Senator from the great Blue State of NY, and that makes him an immediate threat right out of the gate.

The only possible southern votes she can get are in Arkansas, the same State that Clark calls home!

Then it might provide an incentive for Hillary NOT to right, if the rumors of Clark being buddy-buddy with the Clintons are true to the extent that they have been claimed.

About time for a new pair of walkin shoes, anyway.

I'm back on board for the General.

:bounce:

Maybe we could have multiple Presidents and Vice Presidents serve the same term. :P

just like he was in `04. Certainly hope he runs.

Number one requested surrogate in red and swing states? I didn't know that, but I'm very glad to see it. Maybe the party is finally realizing what a genuine asset he is.

If he does it this time, he'll have plenty of time to make his case with on the ground, retail politics that he didn't have time to do last time.

Good!

None of this last-minute stuff like last time.

He's intelligent, a military guy, Rhodes Scholar, hard to paint him as 'liberal elite'.

I don't agree with all his positions, but I think he'd do fine. Also, appears electable

In fact, I am set next week to meet with the chairwoman of Dems Abroad, she's leaving for England in May. Definitely want to get involved.

:kick:

I was a Deaniac in 2004; 2008, it looks like I'm gonna be a Clarkie! He'd make a great President! :patriot:

I'd like to volunteer in a 'just doing the grunt work' kinda way but where do I look? I'd like the general to run; I felt the same in 2004 but by the time PA's primary came around, things were already decided.

I hope to find somewhere to make a contribution of effort during this (hopefully, soon to be announced) run. If anyone involved can inform me, please do. Stuffing envelopes, making phone calls, talking to folks, no task is too small or seemingly unimportant for me; I'd just like to be a part of what I see as the best hope for America's future.

You can go to General Clark's website at www.securingamerica.com. If at that website you go to CCN Blog you can register to blog and chat with other Clark proponents. I can give you the contact emails for coordinators in PA if you PM me with your email. I don't have enough posts to PM.

You should go post about your kitties in the pet forum. :)

I'd really like to do some volunteer work for the general prior to the primaries. If there is another way to get my info to you, please let me know!

I gave Jim4Wes some info to send you. Thanks for your interest.

get those posts going woman.
;)

Woo-Hoo!!!!

I voted for Wes in the last Pres. primary - I would definitely vote for him again. He is strong, atriculate, intelligent - everything a President should be.

He had my support in '04 and will have it again in '08

President Wesley Clark
Speaker Nancy Pelosi

A Democratic House
A Democratic Senate

Bernie Sanders, a self proclaimed socialist, in the Senate
If only Ned Lamont had won...

In my fantasy (now reality based) world, I'd like to see Bill Richardson and Mark Warner among others in the Senate. I want a strong and secure 5-10+ seat majority in the Senate!!

Maybe he'll run against Allen. Wouldn't that be something?

And yes, President Clark would be super dooper! He'd clean that pentagon spending up in a flash. It would be a sight to behold. Would be a brand new day in the US!

Hope Hillary gives him her moola....cause I've got to think that she wants us to win in 08!

everyone was in shock.

and JOHN Warner is retiring in 2008...so VA Senate seat will be available. That's what I'm talking about!

to run for J. Warner's Senate seat against George Allen! We tried hard to get him to run against Allen this time since he was the only Democrat in the state who could stand toe to toe with Allen. He declined, with visions of the White House dancing in his head. To have the next Senate seat come down to those two would be quite something. I wouldn't mind beating George Allen twice! Truth is, I think there is more a chance that M.Warner will go for the Governor's seat in 2009, and a chance Allen will do the same.

I think there's more of a wave of support for him than anyone realizes. Despite flying under the radar, the response for him has been amazing.

Gen. Clark was the number-one requested surrogate, especially in red states and swing
states during this cycle.

Duh... some of us knew this in 2004.

:hi:

Red and blue states. I'm for him!

I expect no less from him when he launches his Presidential campaign.

:cry:

I agree it was very well done.

I believe it had an impact in Democratic victories in Indiana, including the defeat of 3 incumbent GOP Congressmen, and Democrats taking the Indiana House.

Wes Clark resonates in Indiana!

Congrats on the great wins in Indiana! Indiana came up big in this one....I loved seeing those 3 seats flip.

Saw it on CNN.

C'mon General. We all know yer running. Announce already so we can get this show on the road.

Hell, your very presence will elevate the campaign.

GO WES!!!!!!!!!!!!!

http://securingamerica.com

It's not a campaign site, but it will become one if and when he decides to run. There's an active blog community, and lots of other great stuff.

He's built good support in DC.
He's not an outsider anymore. Except in a good way.

even over Gore

I think Clark is someone who could really help the Dem ticket in '08. Especially here in the South. He's someone I think a lot of the folks in these "lost cause" red states might actually vote for. He's one of us, first of all. And, then there's the general bit. Can't really say he doesn't understand the military or warfare. The whole security thing comes up again and again down here. He'd just have to watch out for swiftboating. I've heard he rubbed some folks in the military establishment the wrong way ... not a bad thing, but dangerous given what happened to Kerry.

The Bubbas will never vote for Hillary, and Obama, while great, *perhaps* needs more seasoning, although I have to also say that Clark has all the military experience, but not the political experience that even Obama has at this point... right?

several campaigns and he has governed as NATO commander (he was basically the equivalent of a governor of a small state).

As SACEUR (Supreme Allied Commander - Europe), I believe you have head-of-state diplomatic authority, and he was resposible for all NATO troops in Europe.

The man is solid gold on environmental and science issues and has a degree (and taught) economics (did I mention he was a Rhodes Scholar?)

I hope he runs!

n/t

I emailed an individual whose name was given to me by two members, DemoKitty and Jim4Wes. Any help you could provide would be welcome. Thanks.

If he runs, I might take a year sabbatical leave to help out.

never stopped hoping you'd be our President, Wes!

If you enter the race, I have corrected my pitch for 2008 here on DU starting today:

CLARK / HIS CHOICE 2008

My husband and I were RI delegates for you in 2004. . .Will be an honor to be your delegates again.



:kick: :loveya: :kick: :loveya: :kick:

Our local news went ga-ga over him and they showed all these people in the audience looking very impressed.

This is in a very Republican area too.

eom

Mine too ---- Happy Birthday!!

for the beautiful cake

:party:

again, you too :)

:-)

oops

Clark campaigned for candidates all over Texas. He had standing offers to come back anytime he pleases.

The key to leadership in the Democratic Party and the key to winning seats up and down the ballot in 08 is coattails. None of the other prospective candidates dared venture into the reddest of red districts like Clark did.

Kerry made an appearance for Chris Bell here, but never ventured outside the blue island that is Austin. All the other 08 prospects came to Texas to raise money for themselves -- Hillary included. They never bothered to show their faces for our Texas Dems.

Believe me -- we'll remember!

I find that odd, that some Southern states like TN and TX think only southern people can come there. :shrug:

Actually, Kerry got good receptions there, so that is not a fair statement. It sounded like a dig to me.

Dean in 2003 drew over 3000 in Downtown Dallas...outside. He ventured outside. There are very active DFA groups in TX and also in TN, in spite of Harold Ford's snooty attitude toward Dean.

The progressive groups in TX are very receptive to Dean's visits, though the official Dem party there never mentions them. Guess they are like the FL Dem Party, the relics of the old kind of Democrat. He was in Houston twice recently. Well-received.

I am tired of the South thinking it is so special. I am tired of people saying we must have a Southern governor or Southern general. Southerners are no more special than anyone else.

I love the South, I have lived here all my life...but I find myself wishing we just ignore their demands that only some are welcome there.

In fact I may write a whole post on not needing Southern generals or folks from the South to win. I just might.

did calls for the Clark campaign in 2003 and early 2004. Nothing negative! Clark is "my guy."

I think that hurt his chances in 2004.

:hi:

Won't expect him to wait too long at all.

would rather see him as a cabinet member then as prez.

:hi:

He has my support.
Hmmm.....who would he want for VP?


I want Dennis Kucinich in the Cabinet.

I'm ready freddy. I hope he doesn't dawdle for more than a few hours.

Yes please.

Wes Clark is one of the most superior men ever to run for this office.

:kick:

DemEx

Is anyone surprised? While this certainly is good, it's barely "news".

He's got all the right stuff.

for Gen. Clark.:bounce::bounce:

He will be a good president; hope he does run. There's 4 votes for him here. :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :thumbsup: :dem:

And then Clark for POTUS in 2016!

The earlier he lets it be known, the more name recognition he'll get in the press. If he could get some momentum building, ya never know.

Great news, Thanks Jim.

West Point class rank at graduation for some of our past leaders:


Clark: 1st in graduating class of 579 cadets.
Gen. Douglas MacArthur: 1st in graduating class of 93 cadets.

Gen. George Patton: 46th in graduating class of 103 cadets.
Gen. William Westmoreland: 112th in graduating class of 276 cadets.

Alexander Haig: 214th in graduating class of 310 cadets.
Pres.Dwight Eisenhower: 61st in graduating class of 164 cadets.

Just one of the things I appreciate about him...intelligence.

And this was the class with the most deaths in fighting in Vietnam. Clark was almost a goner there....but he survived. Must be a reason; cause God don't make mistakes.....

We had 2 very stiff candidates -they lost. Clinton was loose as baby diarrhea and just as smooth.

is sit up straight when he is on the talk shows that use round tables. He has a tendency to hunch over when he is talking and his body language is sending the wrong signal.

I sure would love to see him as our president. He is sooo intelligent.

Reason for his shoulders being how they are -- a lifelong, everyday swimmer. To this day.

...Forming a contrast to this bookish image was Clark’s success as a competitive swimmer. Although no team, or even a pool, existed at Hall High, Wes took it upon himself to form one, acting as both coach and captain (the Boys Club pool was used for practice). During a state meet a member of the team was out due to illness and Clark decided to race two of the legs of a four-man relay. A teammate, Phillip McMath recalls, “When he swam the anchor leg of that relay, he was behind. And he had already been in the water for an event. So there was no way he was supposed to catch those guys that were fresh. He caught them and passed them, we won the event.” The team won a Big Nine Championship that year. McMath was convinced that Wes had Olympic potential as a swimmer. But Clark’s main interest lay elsewhere.

Hope he runs. Imagine a President worth admiring!

Sure hope the General does run. I'd work as hard for him as I did for Claire McCaskill.

Run Clark, Run Run, :thumbsup: :dem: :loveya:

The second he announces I want signs, shirts, buttons and I want to know what I have to do to be involved in his Philadelphia field office. I know he can win if we can get the word out and the money raised.

Wes is brilliant! He makes hamburger out of the talking heads on Faux News.

He won the presidential primary in 2004 in Oklahoma, which is about as conservative as you can get. Well, let me be less polite. Joke-la-Homa is Being dragged kickin and screamin into the 20th century (or possibly into the 13th-14th-15th Amendment Reconstruction Era of the 19th century, when we were started to treat blacks like human beings with rights--stuff like due process.)

I say this because my SO's grandpa was a 3 star general in WW II, and started the Oklahoma National Guard, and commanded the 45th and 90th Divisions. He was called "America's greatest citizen-soldier" because he had not gone to West Point.

Another great thing about Wesley Clark is that as a military man, I think he would be quite reluctant to put us in an illegal/pointless war, yet would win respect from conservatives as a military man.


The wrong guy had the domain name www.hotmilitarystud.com!!!! :evilgrin:


Speaking of class rankings at West Point: Custer was last in his class.